This makes a lot of gravy (more than enough for 12), but it’s easy to cut in half. It was created to go with our Fried Turkey with Southern Rub, and engages a technique of browning the neck and giblets, rather than using pan drippings, to give a nice dose of turkey flavor (fried turkeys don’t have any pan drippings). But if you’d like to serve it alongside a regular roasted turkey, don’t waste those drippings! Just follow the recipe, but stir in the pan drippings when you add the chicken broth.

What to buy: Be sure to use real Kentucky bourbon for this recipe. It adds a hint of sweetness, and the alcohol does not overpower. And while there’s no arguing that turkey stock makes the best gravy, it’s not always the easiest thing to come by. Don’t despair! We tested this recipe with chicken broth, and the results were delicious.

Instructions

1Pat turkey neck and giblets dry with paper towels. Place them in a large mixing bowl, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of the flour and toss to coat.

2Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add 3 tablespoons of the oil. When it shimmers, place turkey neck and giblets in the pot; brown them well on all sides, about 6 minutes. Remove browned items to a large plate and set aside.

3Pour excess oil from the pot and discard, but do not clean the pot. Return the pot to the stove over medium heat. Add remaining 3 tablespoons oil to the pot. When hot, add onion, celery, and carrots to the pot with a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and just browning around the edges, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, heat chicken broth in a medium saucepan over medium heat until hot.

5Add hot chicken broth to the pot, stirring constantly and scraping up any browned bits that have adhered to the bottom with a wooden spoon. Turn off the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of the bourbon, the bay leaves, and the sage. Place reserved neck and giblets in the pot. Turn the stove back on and bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce heat to medium low, and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until gravy is reduced and thickened and no raw flour flavor remains, 30 minutes to 1 hour.

6Strain gravy through a fine mesh strainer into a medium saucepan. Stir in cream and remaining 1/4 cup bourbon, then return to the stove over medium heat to rewarm. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Rich, fudgy brownies receive a major upgrade with a hit of Baileys Irish cream. This decadent dessert is the perfect treat for a St. Patrick's Day celebration... or even just for the end of a long week.